I "passed" on what I believe was a good buck this past weekend in NW Wisc because I didn't feel like I had a good shot. I'd like some input from you.

Here's the scenario: I'm in my tree stand in a very remote area in NW Wisconsin. It's a very large chunk of wooded county land that isn't very accessible. I'm reasonably confident my brother is the only other person in the area and he is over 400 yards away thru some very thick popple trees (where logging had been done approx 10 yrs earlier). The area where I'm sitting is hardwood and quite open in an area approx 50 yds in diameter. Beyond that it's still a hardwood forest, but there's quite a bit of thick under-growth.

At around 3:30 I rattled with my new rattling bag for about 45 seconds and then grunted with my buck grunt call a few times. At about 4pm I saw movement about 150 yds away (opposite direction from my brother). There was a lot of thick undergrowth to look thru, but using my 7mm's scope (set at about 4.5) I could tell it was a deer, and more importantly, it had a tall rack that definitely forked (in other words, it appeared to be a good buck). It was so thick, though, that I couldn't make it out completely. I could see part of it's head, then part of it's front shoulder, then part of it's body, then part of it's hind quarter. At 1 pt it looked it was browsing on the ground (assume acorns). Then it looked like it was rubbing it's antlers on a tree. Mind you, this was all view thru my scope and then thru thick underbrush. I was hopeful it was moving in my direction, but after a bit it appeared to be moving off. I grunted with my deep grunt call. The buck turned and moved back in the opposite direction. I could never see a clear shot of any part of the deer. Then, I noticed I had a bead on it's left eyeball. Couldn't see the rest of the head or the antlers or the body. It was a possible opening, but I didn't feel right about pulling the trigger, so I waited. I thought, "...maybe he'll head this way..." But then I saw it turn back in its original direction, and slowly move off and eventually out of site. I could definitely have safely thrown some lead in his direction, but I was confident it would not be a good shot.

What would you have done? Would you have taken the shot or waited? Did I have other options?

you did the right thing.no matter what bullet your using unless its a 20mm antiaircraft shell its not a brush buster.Its hard to believe that a little pencil thick branch can effect your shot but it will.I think you did the smart thing.Keep hunting the area get closer if possible and keep trying

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Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison.
Genesis 27:3 "The thinking deer hunter should mature through three phases during his hunting life. First phase, "I need to kill a deer." Second phase, I want to harvest a nice deer. And last phase, we must manage this resource so our children and their children can experience the grand tradition of good deer hunting." - Jim Slinsky

I "passed" on what I believe was a good buck this past weekend in NW Wisc because I didn't feel like I had a good shot. I'd like some input from you.

Greetings from Vermont d2bucktail, welcome to the site. you didn't feel like you had a good shot ,
so of course you can't shoot when you're not making a good clean kill shot. I wouldn't have taken the shot either.
It's these situations that will make you the safer more ethical hunter. Congratulations, that deer will be back to offer you a better shot.. Good Luck to you

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Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the outcome of the vote.
-Benjamin Franklin

you did the right thing, if you do not see what you are shooting clearly, dont shoot! nearly all of shooting accidents occure when hunters shoot at a deer or what they think is a deer that is not clearly visible

hey this is matt here im a new member just got done registering for an ID. but anyways about your opportunitie on shooting at that deer.. you made the right choice, but being me and my love for venison i probably would have thrown a mercy shot out at old mossy horns.